Mrs Downey Tierney, from Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, was staying at the hotel with her husband Darragh.

They were told to leave after the fire broke out on the hotel’s fourth floor.

She told the BBC: “We were told to pack up our stuff and go.

“Eventually we got back into our room. It was scary stuff - the thunder and lightning was wild.”

(Image: Nicole Griffin Youtube.com)

Holidaymakers from Northern Ireland were also known to be staying at the hotel.

In a Facebook post, the Avanti Resort said the building had been secured and was “open and operational”.

The hotel stated: “We would like to thank all of those who have expressed their concern including the community at large in regards to this unfortunate incident. The hotel is open and operational. The subject building has been secured.”

Guest Kimberley Macfie Tok confirmed that the hotel was set ablaze by a lightning strike.

She said: “The hotel was struck by lightning and went on fire. Everyone is safe.

“We were at universal studio tonight and just returned to find out this had happened. Sorry this has happened to your beautiful hotel.”